Watering restrictions extended until February

Because of a disappointing summer rainy season and an approaching winter that is expected to be drier than normal, the state water agency overseeing the Tampa Bay region decided to extend the current watering restrictions through Feb. 29. The Southwest Florida Water Management District first imposed its Phase I watering restrictions last November. The restrictions say lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and residents may water only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Some local governments have stricter ordinances limiting lawn watering to one day per week or using different watering hours, so residents should always check with their local government or utility before adjusting their irrigation timers.